The Values
Values are our sense of “worth” and guides our behaviors and ethics towards certain issues. In conservation issues, it is critical to examine people’s values about the environment to predict behaviors about conservation. Kellert came up with nine values to illustrate people view about nature and biodiversity. Below is the table that describes each of the nine values and the their function.
VALUE |
DEFINITION |
FUNCTION |
Utilitarian |
Practical and material exploitation of nature |
Physical sustenance/security |
Naturalistic |
Direct experience and exploration of nature |
Curiosity, discovery, recreation |
Ecologistic-
Scientific |
Systematic study of structure, function |
Knowledge, understanding, observational skills |
Aesthetic |
Physical appeal and beauty of nature |
Inspiration, harmony, security |
Symbolic |
Use of nature for language and thought |
Communication, mental development |
Humanistic |
Strong emotional attachment and “love” |
Bonding, sharing, cooperation, companionship |
Moralistic |
Spiritual reverence and ethical concern for nature |
Order, meaning, kinship, altruism |
Dominionistic |
Mastery, physical control, dominance of nature |
Mechanical skills, physical prowess, ability to subdue |
Negativistic |
Fear, aversion, alienation from nature |
Security, protection, safety, awe |
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Table 1: A Typology of Basic Values
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Out of the nine values Kellert mentioned, the focus of the blog is on three values Negativism Dominionistic and Utilitarian. These are the values that are commonly thought to be a threat to conservation efforts.